The radar detects a hazard and applies the brakes to keep the vehicle a safe distance from the vehicle they are following.

It is difficult to see how traditional Harley fans would react to auto emergency braking.

Harley took a long time to introduce their “invisible” ABS and when they did it was accompanied by an outcry from devotees. While ABS is now standard on all Harleys sold in Australia, it is still only optional on some in the USA.

Harley auto emergency brake ‘plans’

There is no point in asking Harley-Davidson to confirm the auto emergency braking rumour; they simply don’t comment on forward product.

Yet they did step out of character last week to make the major announcements about new products coming in the next four years.

Harley boss Matt Levatich also promised last week that they would be “doubling down on existing products”, so maybe there will be some high-tech coming to their existing models.

Matt Levatich

If they are only now applying for a patent, then auto emergency brakes will not be included in this year’s line-up.

However, there could be some hi-tech added to their traditional heavyweight touring bikes and cruisers such as traction control, engine modes, cornering ABS, and improved connectivity and infotainment.

Full details will be announced at the global dealer meeting on 22 August 2018 in the US.

MotorbikeWriter will fly into Minneapolis three days later to sample the new product in a ride to Milwaukee for Harley’s 115th anniversary celebrations. Stay tuned.

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One thought on “Does Harley-Davidson plan auto emergency brakes?”

I hope this innovation comes with an extra front wheel seatbelts and a roll cage.
Automatic braking on a bike is the dumbest idea ever!
Unlike a car where you can slam on the anchors at any time with no problems on a bike You have a tiny space in which to get everything right before hitting the brakes, you need to be upright for the most part and prepared to be tossed off the bike you also have to ensure you are going to be able to keep the tyres from losing traction and you need to pick where the bike is going to go and possibly yourself if you come off so often you choose to hit the gas and try to steer around what ever it is that requires emergency action.
Having the brakes come on when you aren’t ready for them or when you don’t want them to is going to cause a lot of fatalities.